On Sept. 22, I will participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walk in Waterville.

Known as the North Central Maine Walk, donations support and fund research and suicide prevention programs, provide education and awareness, and assist people whose lives have been affected by suicide.

Suicide claims the lives of more than 36,000 Americans yearly.

It has been 51/2 years since my son, Nicholas, took his life while suffering from severe depression. Nick had just graduated from high school and was interested in furthering his education. I don’t believe he “made” a decision to end his life — rather, the irrational thoughts brought on by depression did it for him.

Nick was admitted to the hospital following a serious suicide attempt and discharged after only three days. I was terrified for my son’s safety — and rightfully so, because he died one week later.

Lives have been forever changed by Nick’s death — most of all his precious son’s as he’ll be starting kindergarten without his dad there to witness this monumental event. Nick’s siblings and his son’s mother also continue to grieve. Time does not heal all wounds.

A portion of the funds will support distribution of the foundation’s educational film, “More Than Sad: Teen Depression” to area high schools to teach students and teachers about teen depression and how to get help. With support and appropriate medical care, teens can often make it through a difficult time and see there is hope. Teen impulsivity in regard to suicide robs them of the opportunity to discover their problems can be overcome and that suicide is not the answer.

I don’t want others to know the heartache suicide leaves in its wake.

National Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 9-15, World Suicide Prevention Day is Sept. 10, and International Survivors of Suicide Day is Nov. 17.

Visit relevant Web sites: www.out ofthedarkness.org, www.morethansad .org, www.afsp.org.

Britt Holmstrom-Salisbury

Benton

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